2020 Annual Giving Campaign

1

Prayer List 1

Blessing of the Animals

2

Vestry HiLites 2

Fellowship 4

Outreach 5

Refugee Ministry 6

Christmas Pageant Volunteer Needed

7

Rabbi by Appointment 7

Preschool News 8

Spiritual Formation for Children and Youth

9

Adult Spiritual Formation

9

Calendar 10

Inside this issue:

High Notes Submissions

Articles for the November High

Notes must be submitted to

Kelli by Friday, October 18.

2019

Lord, Teach Me to Keep a Grateful and Generous Heart

Long-time parishioners will remember the service of the Rev. Martha Wallace, whose interim ministry immediately preceded Chuck’s tenure at Emmanuel. Martha’s path to the Episcopal priesthood was particularly circuitous. For more than twenty years, she worked in upper-level management at a “Big Three” automaker in Detroit. Finding her career unfulfilling and vacuous both professionally and spiritually, she walked away from its considerable perks and enrolled in seminary to prepare for a new, God-centered calling.

Martha’s sermons frequently focused on the need for Christians to practice gratitude and generosity. Indeed, she would sometimes ask us to pray aloud with her in unison, “God, teach me to keep a grateful and generous heart.”

Gratitude and generosity are at the heart of this year’s Annual Giving Campaign, “Wonder in All.” As you review and consider the campaign materials you will soon be receiving from Emmanuel, please ask yourself how you can heed God’s — and Martha’s — call to ever greater gratitude and generosity.

Jane Kolson, Annual Giving Co-Chair

Keeping Up the Prayer List

Every Sunday in the Prayers of the People, we lift up to God the names of family, friends and coworkers seeking the Lord's healing grace. These names, along with a specific prayer request, are also included in the back of the bulletin (optional) — so that our prayers may continue throughout the week.

Anyone in need can go on the list and for any reason.

Nancy Dupree keeps the list up to date. Contact Nancy to add a name. There is no time limit to be on the prayer list. Prayers will continue as long as requested. But it is also great to come off of the prayer list! The surgery was successful. The broken bones are healed. The patient has recovered. So please, contact Nancy to share the good news, as well!

H i g h N o t e s

Our 10 -Year Vision for Emmanuel

Emmanuel Episcopal Church is a thriving, engaged and creative parish working to educate and meet the needs of children, youth and adults; live and demonstrate our Christian values; and create a more humane and just world through community service and outreach.

Diocesan Bishops The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff

The Rt. Rev. Robert Wilkes Ihloff

Emmanuel Church Staff

Rector

The Rev. Charles C. McCoart, Jr.

Associate for Worship The Rev. Joan L. Peacock

Seminarian

Pete Nunnally Kevin Newell

Director of Spiritual Formation for

Children and Youth Toni Buranen

Organist/Choir Director

Ryan Fitch

Parish Administrator Kelli Corts

Administrative Assistant

Karen O’Hern

Sexton Carlos Guzman

Nursery Caregivers

Lillian Urrea Natalie De Leon Santizo

Jeni Rivera

Sunday Services

8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Church Office Hours Monday—Thursday

10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 1608 Russell Road

Alexandria, VA 22301 703-683-0798 (phone)

703-683-6158 (fax) office@emmanuelonhigh.org

www.emmanuelonhigh.org

Page 2

In honor of Saint Francis of Assissi, Emmanuel will celebrate all creatures, great and small!

All well-behaved pets are welcome in church and afterwards for the official outdoor "Blessing of the Animals" on the church steps.

If your cat or dog is unable to attend or you have a more unusual species: hamster, hermit crab, snake, etc. bring a photo. We'll post photos on a "blessing board" in the narthex.

The "Prayers of the People" will include prayers for beloved departed pets who now romp in the kingdom of heaven. If you have a pet's name you would like to share, email Karen in the church office.

For younger ones, who may not have a pet, the stuffed animal variety is also welcome!

We're also collecting much needed items for the Alexandria Animal Shelter. Please bring unopened cat food, dog food, treats, as well as, blankets and toys.

Family, friends and neighbors are all welcome!

Questions? Contact Joani Peacock.

HiLites

At its regular meeting on September 11, 2019, the Vestry…

• Celebrated the success of the recent parish picnic and agreed to hold it at Emmanuel again next year

• Shared the announcement for the vacant position for Director of Spiritual Formation for Children and Youth

• Welcomed the preschool director to attend Vestry meetings

• Decided to look for two Vestry members in the next cycle to be liaisons for (1) building and (2) grounds who can visit often and work with Kelli on the stewardship team

• Respectfully discussed how to address the practice of sharing political messages on Facebook specifically, and at church generally, in sermons, the newsletter, or on the website (look for an upcoming newsletter article from the Vestry on this topic)

Sarah Kolo, Clerk

The Feast of Saint Francis and Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 6 | 10:30 AM

Saint Francis by Sue Bentanzos

H i g h N o t e s Page 3

2019 Vestry

Aaron Flaaen (Senior Warden) Tom Craig (Junior Warden) Barbara Huffman (Worship)

Maria Jones / Matt Stratford (Education) Katie Deemer / Doris Rudolph (Service)

Joe Dresen / Janie Piemonte / Meredith Wade (Stewardship)

Emily McNaughton / Greg Shannon (Fellowship)

Gene Lange (Treasurer) Sarah Kolo (Clerk)

Contacts for Ministry Teams

Worship Team Coordinator: Nancy Dupree Acolytes: Kelly and Joe Dresen Altar Guild: Mary Ann Frank Counters: Kelli Corts Guitar Circle: Stewart Bartley Music & Choirs: Ryan Fitch Readers (8:00): Suji Kelly Readers and Chalice (10:30): Jerry Boykin Ushers: Bob Callahan

Education Team Coordinators: Joani Peacock Toni Buranen Adult Spiritual Formation: Beth Boland Sunday School: Toni Buranen Youth: Chris Piemonte; Rachel Piemonte Preschool: Nicole Crochet

Service Team Coordinator: Sean Ellis Adult Summer Service Trip: Vacant ALIVE!: Sarah Orndorff Bag Lunch Program: Karen Coda Carpenter’s Shelter Breakfast: Jennifer Jones Carpenter’s Shelter Dinner: Bonnie Lilley Community Lodgings: Barbara Harslem Giving Tree: Sylvie Harris Haiti: John Maass Haitian Coffee Sales: Kim Scott Meals on Wheels: Katie Kelly Refugee Family: Kim Scott United Thank Offering: Bonnie Fairbank Yard Sale: Megan & John Read

Fellowship Team Coordinator: Jennifer Jones Breakfast with St. Nick: Courtney Keplinger Coffee Hour Baristas: Ann Wheaton Craft & Sewing Group: Gudrun Callahan Easter Egg Hunt: Eileen Gorman Prime Timers: Bonnie Fairbank; Barbie Frank Shrine Mont Parish Retreat: Joe Scott Twenties & Thirties (TnT): Leo Cruz

Stewardship Team Coordinator: Adam Schildge Annual Giving: Jane Kolson; Tyler Dorn Building and Grounds: Meredith Wade Finance: Stewart Bartley Foundation: Jane Kolson

.

The Blasted Scammer is at it Again!

As some of you know first-hand we have a scammer who likes to send out emails masquerading as Chuck often asking for gift cards to help others in need. The scammer cleverly uses Chuck's style of writing and tone and uses an email address that looks similar to Chuck's. Please don't get fooled by the scammer. Chuck will never send you such an email. Please feel free to email Chuck or call him at 703-795-5231 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Hiring: Director of Spiritual Formation for Children and Youth

Emmanuel is ready to fill the position of Director of Spiritual Formation for Children and Youth. Is God calling you to this ministry? We are seeking a person who enjoys working with children, youth, and their teachers and mentors and is committed to helping them grow spiritually and become active members of our faith community. This is a part-time position averaging 10-15 hours a week including Sunday mornings when Sunday School is in session. Weekday hours are flexible. For more information contact Michelle Vaughan.

Thank You from Community Lodgings

“Your kind contribution of $2,915 ensured that 150 of Alexandria’s low-income children have supplies that they need to start a new school year. These children face challenges in their quest for an education which include language barriers, overcrowding in homes that detract from focus and homework time, and sometimes even hunger. However your support of Community Lodgings’ programs helps them conquer those challenges and puts the smiles on these faces.”

Lynn Thomas, Executive Director

H i g h N o t e s Page 4

TnT: Apple Picking and Vineyard Picnic Saturday, October 5 | 10:00 AM

Just in time for some apple cobbler and pumpkins on your front door step, join us on Saturday, October 5, at Stribling Orchard for a morning of apple picking, followed by a picnic at Barrel Oak Winery. It’s the perfect

way to spend a Saturday in autumn! Meet at Emmanuel at 9:00 a.m. to carpool or meet us at the orchard around 10:00 a.m.

• Stribling Orchard, 11587 Poverty Hollow Lane, Markham, VA 22643

• Barrel Oak Winery, 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144

We'll provide sandwiches and ask everyone to bring snacks and drinks. Please email Leo Cruz to confirm attendance to ensure we have enough sandwiches for the picnic.

The next dinner with members and friends of Emmanuel who live at Goodwin House Alexandria is set for Wednesday, October 16. The evening begins with a social hour at 5:45 p.m., followed by dinner. Guests who don’t live at Goodwin House are asked to pay a modest amount (under $20) for their dinner. The event is open to anyone who would like to enjoy the festive atmosphere and wonderful company. The dinner will be held in the private dining room which has a limit of 12 guests. RSVPs will be taken on a first come first served basis. Contact Karen (703-683-0798) in the church office to make your reservation. Jim Bradley coordinates the event and is happy to answer any questions.

Goodwin House Dinner Wednesday, October 16 | 5:45 PM

Parish Picnic

Many thanks to all who came out on Sunday, September 8 to support and celebrate fellowship at the Annual Parish Picnic. The picnic is always a great time to reconnect at Emmanuel after the summer. With beautiful weather this year, we had a fun day relaxing with old friends and making new ones as we shared food, conversation, and wonderful activities at Emmanuel. The creativity, teamwork and community of our parish was in full force!

New this year, the Swizzler food truck provided grass-fed and plant-based gourmet hotdog options and fries, and the Kovi food truck provided tacos and rice bowls inspired by Korean, Vietnamese and other Asian cuisines.

A big thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers, and many thanks for the generous donations that helped cover expenses for the picnic.

Happy Fall!

Taylor Craig

H i g h N o t e s Page 5

Have you Noticed?

That the gardens look a little weedy? The bushes that didn’t survive the summer drought? The burned out light bulbs in the nave? These are a few of the small projects needing attention on the Fall Work Day agenda.

Fortunately, volunteering is one of Emmanuel’s hallmarks — opportunities abound for all kinds of service activity. You can help us keep our building and grounds look their best — and keep the maintenance budget on track — by donating a little time on Saturday, October 19 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. If you’re willing to help but that isn’t a good time, let’s talk. We can find a time that works for you. The sign up board is in the foyer or you can contact me directly.

Meredith Wade

INOVA Blood Drive Saturday, October 12 | 8:30 AM

Save the date for the next INOVA blood drive to be held in the parish hall Saturday, October 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register here for a time to give blood.

The regular blood drives held at Emmanuel have been in support of 4-year-old Whitaker. Take a minute to see Whitaker’s birthday celebration by clicking here.

Ministry Fair / Bake Sale

The September 15 Ministry Fair and Bake Sale was a tremendous success! The fair itself generated lots of new sign-ups for volunteer opportunities including altar guild, bag lunch, counters, ushers, chalice bearers, choir and many more! Thank you to all who

participated and especially to Collin Hunt (my grandson), Vonda Delawie, Nancy Dupree and Mary Ann Frank who helped set up on Saturday.

Also thank you to all the parishioners who visited the tables and turned in their Ministry Fair lists for the gift card

drawings. Congratulations to Sandy Esquivel who won the $20 Dairy Godmother gift card and to Kathy Brown who won the $50 Del Ray Café Card. Yay for them. A huge thank you to Pat Barbarowicz and Chuck Thomas for donating the gift cards.

Thank you to all the bakers and buyers for the bake sale. The sale generated $589. This money will go directly to support our Afghan refugee family to help meet immediate housing, medical, or food needs. In addition, we sold $108 in Haitian coffee. This money goes towards our partner parish, Ste. Croix, in Haiti as well as a non-profit to foster sustainable coffee industry in Haiti. A great turn out and very much appreciated.

If anyone would like to comment or make suggestions for next year, please feel free to do so! Once again a big THANK YOU TO ALL!!!

Pat Hadley, Outreach Team

H i g h N o t e s Page 6

Our Refugee Ministry continues to support local in-need families since 2016. This past August, our care team was introduced to the Latifi family through Lazarus Ministry. Jerry, his wife, Salima, and their three children — twin boys, ages 3, and daughter, age 7, from Afghanistan had first resettled in North Carolina before arriving in Alexandria. Jerry, an interpreter who served on the front lines with U.S. forces, had been shot three times by Taliban militants as a result of his cooperation.

News of the Latifi family first arrived at Christ Church in Old Town. Christ Church shared, “Despite continuing threats on their lives, the family endured a five-year wait for a visa. They tragically suffered the death of their young daughter shortly before they left Afghanistan. The town that was chosen by resettlement agencies did not have job prospects or a community that was prepared to welcome this family. Word-of-mouth reports were that Northern Virginia was a better prospect for refugees, so the family took a chance and arrived in Alexandria, sight unseen. They have thousands of dollars in debt and have very little in their small apartment.”

This past summer, Jerry heard of and connected with Ms. Melanie Gray, who addressed the family’s urgent need and paid the family’s outstanding rent. As well, the Refugee Ministry provided them with furniture and houseware donations and collaborated to bring together a team of volunteers to work closely with

them in the coming months. Jerry is incredibly grateful for the assistance he has received and told one of our volunteers that “in America, it doesn’t matter who you are; everyone is treated as human.”

We hope to live up to that ideal. Refugee ministry funds from Emmanuel’s Outreach budget paid the family’s $1350 rent for August, and a total of $1343, which includes proceeds from the Ministry Fair bake sale will help to cover September’s rent and other expenses. Thanks to everyone who baked and bought the homemade treats for such an important cause.

On Sunday, October 13, the Latifi family will be joining us at our 10:30 a.m. service and coffee hour. We look forward to their visit and hope to see you there! Thank you again for your continued support.

To read more about the work done by Afghan interpreters, read this article.

If you would like to join the care team, volunteer, or lend assistance in any way, please let us know.

Kim Scott, Jennifer Jones, and Joani Peacock Care Team

Introducing the Latifi Family

H i g h N o t e s Page 7

The annual Christmas Pageant is scheduled for December 24 at 4:00 p.m. It’s an opportunity for our children to play a special part in the telling and acting out of the Christmas story. While Christmas carols are sung and scripture is read, our children come into the sanctuary dressed in costumes such as angels, stars, wisemen, shepherds, animals, as well as Mary, Joseph and Jesus!

We are seeking volunteer(s) to manage the pageant process.

The process entails:

• making sure costumes are ready and available • advertising for the occasion • showing up early to manage the pageant • put everything away after the pageant

All that is needed is a person or two who:

• love kids • have patience • can manage minor chaos • have a sense of humor • have grace under fire!

Might you be interested in volunteering this year? If yes, please let Chuck know.

Are you curious about what it means to be a Christian in the Episcopal tradition? Do you have questions but no time in your busy schedule to attend a class? Welcome to Rabbi by Appointment! Three one-on-one sessions meet you wherever you are spiritually and at a time and a place that works best. Our rabbinical conversations can serve as an introduction to the faith, a personal tutorial in a subject of your choosing, or as preparation for confirmation. Interested? Email me, the Rev. Joani Peacock.

Soul-Strolling

Avid pedestrians in the parish, I would love to strap on my size 7 ASICS and go on a soul-stroll with you! Walking in God’s great outdoors is a wonderful way to lift the spirit and free up the head. And talking while strolling is a great way to process just about anything under the sun. Choose the Old Town waterfront, the streets of Del Ray or Huntley Meadows Park. Contact me, Joani to set up a mutually agreeable time and meet up place!

Seeking Volunteer(s) for Annual Christmas Pageant

Rabbi by Appointment

The Kaelin/Jones family following the baptism of Mira, along with godparents, Katherine and John Ryder. The Ryder’s are former Emmanuel members who moved away a few years ago.

H i g h N o t e s Page 8

Preschool Board of Directors

Melissa Bennett (Chair) Megan Savage (Treasurer)

Kate Bartholomay (Secretary) Matt Stratford (Vestry Liaison)

Becca Brocato (Teacher Representative) Meghan Currie (Resource Parent)

Kate Sosnoff (Resource Parent) Brandon Hollingshead (Parishioner)

Chuck McCoart (Ex Officio) Nicole Crochet (Ex Officio)

Preschool Staff

Director Nicole Crochet

Office Administrator

Dawn Doucette

Financial Administrator Kelli Corts

Teachers

Pierina Battifora Rebecca Brocato Mary Beth Conry

Meghan Cote Amy Ernst

Marilu Escalante Christy Finn Paige Gilgan

Mollee Hansen Perrin Keeler

Jacqueline Kittredge Savannah McManus

Dana Mutscheller Nancy Palmer

Kate Schneider Cappie Stiers

Amanda Womble

School Hours Monday—Friday

9:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Emmanuel Episcopal Preschool 1608 Russell Road

Alexandria, VA 22301 703-683-0303 (phone)

703-683-6158 (fax) preschooladministrator@epsonhigh.org

www.emmanuelonhigh.org

Preschool News — Orange 3’s

The Orange 3s are happy to be back to school! We were happy to see many of our old friends from last year and welcome new friends to our school. We always begin the year learning some routines. Freezing and looking to our teacher when the bell rings, putting our feet on a fox (stickers on the floor) when it is time to line up, singing our song as we clean up. Our favorite routine is Dance Party Wednesdays! We end each week with a dance circle, boogying down to some timeless tunes.

Since we are 3s this year, each of us have a job to do every day: Line Leader, Snack Captain, Electrician, Circle Leader, Class Reporter, Photographer, Weather Reporter, Thinker, Walk Conductor, Lunch Box Liner Upper, and Grace Leader. We love coming into our class and finding out what our job is. It’s also a great question for parents to ask at the end of the day.

Orange 3s always have a few projects under way. We noticed that our classroom tree did not have any leaves on it. We used green items to collage beautiful leaves to add to it. Our classroom tree will help us study the seasons throughout the year mirroring the trees we see on our outdoor walks.

We found that it’s fun to combine a little art and science when we visited the Art Room. We used water colors to paint our favorite color. Once we covered the page, we added drops of alcohol and observed how the paint spread out into a circle. Next we added salt to add some texture and friends really liked shaking the salt.

The most exciting part of the year so far has been our new playground! We have had a great time exploring the new equipment on the lower playground. We love bouncing on the bridge, sliding down and climbing up the slides, spinning on the twisty pole, and serving cookies (AKA mulch) from the General Store front. The upper playground is a new adventure as well with lots of room to run and roam. We love it!

Becca Brocato and Christy Finn

H i g h N o t e s Page 9

Mark your calendars for an evening with former Alexandria City Poet Laureate, Wendi Kaplan. She will conduct a poetry-writing workshop that will help you with creative imagery, vision and word usage. Come get your creative juices flowing and join us for a collaborative session of literary fun! Refreshments provided. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 6 in the Memorial Room.

Theology on Our Feet Sunday, October 27 | 9:00 AM

Understanding more about forgiveness is a powerful way to strengthen our faith. Join Ross Kane on Sunday, October 27, for "Forgiveness — Putting it Into Practice," the next in Emmanuel's periodic discussion series, Theology on Our Feet. This session is a follow-up, by popular demand, to the forum on forgiveness that Ross led last spring. The forum will meet in the Memorial Room at 9:00 a.m., between the two worship services.

Spiritual Formation for

Children and Youth

Greetings EEC families! I hope that your school year is off to a great start. We’re so glad to have your children in our Sunday school and God & Donuts program. If you haven’t registered, please take a moment to do so. It is especially important so that we may have emergency information should we need to contact you during Sunday school.

On another note, please join us for the first Youth Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service of the school year on October 6. We will celebrate the feast of Saint Francis with a blessing of the pets after the service. As per usual we also invite all children to arrive at 10:00 a.m. so that they may practice the song in advance.

Finally, we are in need of one more Sunday school teacher. We hope that God is tugging at someone’s heart to join our fabulous team. We’re looking for a preschool teacher so if you have a child who is of preschool age, you might be the ideal candidate! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

With gratitude and peace, Toni

Alexandria City Poet Laureate Sunday, October 6 | 6:30 PM

H i g h N o t e s Page 10

For a look at our continually-

updated church calendar, click

on the calendar to the left.

1 All Saints Day

2-3 PYM High School Weekend

3 Daylight Saving Time Ends

3 Youth Sunday

3 God & Donuts (4:00 PM)

4 Meals on Wheels Deliveries

4-8 Bag Lunch Week

6 Carpenter’s Shelter Dinner

7 Choir Practice (7:00 PM)

11 Veteran’s Day (Office Closed)

13 Vestry Meeting (7:30 PM)

17 God & Donuts (4:00 PM)

17 Popcorn Theology (6:00 PM)

21 Choir Practice (7:00 PM)

26 Carpenter’s Shelter Breakfast

28-29 Thanksgiving Holiday (Office Closed)

2 Carpenter’s Shelter Dinner

3 Choir Practice (7:00 PM)

6 Youth Sunday

6 Outreach Team Meeting (9:00 AM)

6 Blessing of the Animals (11:45 AM)

6 Alexandria Poet Laureate (6:30 PM)

7 Meals on Wheels Deliveries

9 Vestry Meeting (7:30 PM)

12 INOVA Blood Drive (8:30 AM)

13 Service & Coffee Hour with Refugee Family

(10:30 AM)

14 Columbus Day (Office Closed)

16 Goodwin House Dinner (5:45 PM)

17 Choir Practice (7:00 PM)

19 Fall Work Day (8:00 AM)

20 God & Donuts (4:00 PM)

26 Carpenter’s Shelter Breakfast

27 Annual Giving Campaign Ends

31 Halloween

Joani on Stage! Besides being a preacher in the pulpit, I am also an avid storyteller on stage. Kind of like The Moth, I have performed with Story District, NPR Invisibilia, and at Georgetown University's Bioethics Fair. And in October, I will perform twice more, sharing the stage with several other great storytellers in each of these shows. I guarantee, for very little money, you can have a fabulous time on the town! Click links below for more information and tickets. Hope to see you there!

• October 22 at Union Stage: Perfect Liars’ Club Second Annual Halloween “Spooktacular” Show

• October 23 at Songbyrd Record Cafe: Health's Angels